NEWS STORIES

FEBRUARY 2017

The National Corn Growers Association today applauded President Donald Trump for issuing an executive order repealing the 2015 Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS) rule. “We appreciate the Trump Administration’s commitment to reducing regulatory burdens for America’s farmers and ranchers,” said NCGA President Wesley Spurlock. “We fully support the repeal of the WOTUS rule. Farmers and ranchers care deeply about clean water, but this rule had significant flaws. It was …

U.S. corn farmers reached new heights in 2016, growing the largest crop on record at 15.1 billion bushels, with a record national average yield of 174.6 bushels per acre. To highlight this achievement, the National Corn Growers Association delves into the facts about corn production, using a historical comparison in its newest edition of the World of Corn. This statistical look at the corn industry, both domestic and worldwide, features …

Sharing knowledge is key to the Commodity Classic experience, and this year’s attendees will have an opportunity to discover what efforts are being undertaken to address water management challenges within the Mississippi River Watershed. Harald (Jordy) Jordahl, Director of America’s Watershed Initiative (AWI) will lead a discussion of private sector partners who are working together to craft meaningful improvements that look at the social, economic and environmental stability of …

Rancher, Farmer, Fisherman, fresh from its world premiere at Sundance Film Festival, will preview at Commodity Classic in San Antonio, Texas before it airs worldwide on Discovery Channel in August. The Discovery Impact film weaves together the stories of a Montana rancher, two Kansas farmers and a handful of Gulf fishermen who feed the world while stewarding the land and water they work. Based on a book by the same …

If there is a conversation going on involving ethanol, look over your shoulder – you’ll more than likely see President and CEO of the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) Bob Dinneen at the center of it. An expert on energy, the environment and issues involving the ethanol industry, he is a sought after speaker and regularly testifies before federal agencies and congressional committees. However, coalition-building seems to be Bob’s greatest talent. …

In a letter sent Monday to National Ethanol Conference attendees, President Donald Trump reiterated his commitment to ethanol and the Renewable Fuel Standard. “Rest assured that your president and this administration values the importance of renewable fuels to America’s economy and to our energy independence. As I emphasized throughout my campaign, renewable fuels are essential to America’s energy strategy,” Trump wrote. “As important as ethanol and the …

U.S. Congressman Mike Conaway, chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture, will address the thousands of attendees at the 2017 Commodity Classic in San Antonio, March 2-4, 2017. Congressman Conaway will speak during the popular General Session, which takes place from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Friday, March 3. Serving his seventh term in the U.S. House of Representatives, Congressman Conaway represents 29 counties in Texas’ 11th …

The 69th NASCAR season kicks off this weekend during the Daytona 500. Amid all of the usual team, driver and sponsor paint-out design changes, Monster Energy also takes over as the Cup Series title sponsor, replacing Sprint. One thing that remains unchanged, however, is American Ethanol’s footprint in the sport. “For the seventh straight year in a row, Sunoco Green E15 – a fuel blended with 15% American Ethanol …

National Corn Growers Association President and Texas farmer Wesley Spurlock today issued the following statement: “NCGA congratulates Scott Pruitt as the next U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator. We look forward to working with Administrator Pruitt to continue the progress being made in agriculture toward more sustainable farming practices. NCGA anticipates a fresh and productive approach to providing the nation with cleaner air and water through reasonable regulations and sound science. …

The National Corn Growers Association’s Stewardship Action Team renewed its commitment to clean water at its recent meeting while both reviewing the success of current programming and expanding efforts to promote voluntary nutrient management. “At the heart of NCGA’s latest initiative is a program to work with state corn grower groups to develop formal nutrient management programs that fit the needs and goals of each state,” said Stewardship Action …

Increasing demand for corn and corn farmer profitability is key to the National Corn Growers Association's mission, and this was clearly evident at the recent meeting of NCGA's Corn Productivity & Quality Action Team (CPQAT). Farmer team members from across the U.S. discussed several potential avenues for finding new uses for corn to drive demand. Potential areas of focus are new food uses for corn, new plant-based chemicals …

If you can't commit to all three days at the 2017 Commodity Classic in San Antonio, never fear! One-day registrations can provide a robust experience of education, new equipment and technology, and entertainment. One-day registration provides admission to all applicable events and educational sessions scheduled for that day including educational sessions, the trade show, the AG CONNECT Main Stage on the trade show floor, and other daily activities. …

More than 350 attendees had a firsthand look at the new Panama Canal expansion on Monday to kick off events at the U.S. Grains Council 14th International Marketing Conference & 57th Annual Membership Meeting in Panama City, Panama. The tour of the Agua Clara locks in Colon, Panama, was a unique opportunity to see trade in action, and an important reminder of the dynamic global trade environment for those …

American Farm Bureau FUSION Conference attendees enjoyed a first-hand account of CommonGround, a program supported by the National Corn Growers Association, the United Soybean Board and their state affiliates. Attendees participated in an interactive learning session titled “Finding CommonGround.” CommonGround volunteer Kristin Reese, who farms in Ohio, showed a standing room-only crowd how CommonGround, helps foster mutual understanding and trust through conversations between the women who grow and raise food …

Commentary by Chris Novak, Chief Executive Officer, National Corn Growers Association Growth Energy and its members met last week in Miami, Florida for their annual leadership conference. Next week, the Renewable Fuel Association (RFA) will gather in San Diego, California for their National Ethanol Conference and in less than a month, the American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) will host its annual Fly-In in Washington D.C. Three …

The Evening of Entertainment at the 2017 Commodity Classic puts the cherry on top of America’s largest farmer-led, farmer-focused convention and trade show. Commodity Classic will be held March 2-4, 2017, in San Antonio, Texas. Saturday night’s Evening of Entertainment will feature the country sounds of Grammy-nominated Pat Green, a Texas hit maker with an “outsider” reputation. The Evening of Entertainment is sponsored by Monsanto. Since his early …

NCGA joined ethanol producers and supporters this week in Miami, Fla. at Growth Energy’s Executive Leadership Conference to hear Growth’s take on the state of the industry and the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead. Leading this effort is Emily Skor, Growth Energy’s new CEO. Although new to the ethanol industry, Skor has made a career advocating on behalf of the consumer products industry. Having held several previous challenging roles …

Members of the National Corn Growers Association’s Freedom to Operate Action Team met in Tampa, Florida last week to review programs, budgets and policies associated with the association’s work in areas such as crop inputs, data and biotechnology. While there, the team met with representatives from across the value chain to explore upcoming challenges and opportunities. Looking at a variety of issues, including goals set out in NCGA’s strategic …

Members of the National Corn Growers Association’s Ethanol Action Team (ETHAT) gathered last week in Savannah, Ga. to review programs aimed at expanding demand for corn ethanol. “Our agenda covered topics from fuel dispenser infrastructure to sports marketing sponsorships,” commented ETHAT Chair Paul Jeschke. “However, discussions were unlike previous years due to excitement over the Trump administration’s stated support for the RFS.” Chuck Studer of John Deere reported on …

Conversations in the hallways and over lunch are an integral part of the educational experience at Commodity Classic as farmers share their knowledge, passion and insight with their colleagues from across the nation. The 2017 Commodity Classic will be held March 2-4 in San Antonio, Texas. Attendees can register for all three days or register for one day only. Attendee surveys indicate that networking with other farmers is …

The Soil Health Partnership has created a new position to help lead the organization’s ambitious on-farm data collection efforts as the program grows. Jack Cornell, a plant scientist, will fill the role of operations manager for the organization. “I’m looking forward to continuing work on opportunities to make agriculture more sustainable,” Cornell said. “But at the same time, I grew up in a small town, understanding the importance …

Members of the National Corn Growers Association’s Consumer Engagement Action Team met in Savannah, Georgia last week to review programs focused on the organization’s strategic goals associated with strengthening consumer trust. The team, which was formed in October of 2016 to better align and focus with the goals of the new strategic plan, delved deeply into ongoing consumer engagement efforts while exploring future opportunities. At the meeting, the team …

With a trade show featuring more than 400 exhibitors commanding more than 2,200 booth spaces, Commodity Classic attendees are strongly encouraged to wear comfortable shoes! The 2017 Commodity Classic, the nation’s largest farmer-led, farmer-focused convention and trade show, will be held March 2-4, 2017, in San Antonio, Tex. “Agribusiness companies know that Commodity Classic attracts the nation’s best farmers, so they bring their best equipment, technology, innovations and …

By the Numbers $1.5 trillion: Increase in real incomes due to liberalizing trade efforts since World War II (Peterson Economics) $82 billion: Annual economic output in 2014 due to exports of feed grains and grain products (Informa Economics) 371,536: Number of full-time equivalent jobs linked directly or indirectly to grain and grain product exports in 2014 (Informa Economics) With trade suddenly a hot topic among Americans who …

Attendees at the 2017 Commodity Classic in San Antonio, Tex., can make their experience even more memorable by signing up for one or more of the fascinating tours available during the event. These optional tours provide the opportunity to discover even more about the history, attractions and culture of the San Antonio area—and this year’s tour schedule is among the most varied ever offered. Optional tours are scheduled Wednesday, …